Despite China’s anti-Australia rhetoric, ongoing trade between the two countries is evidence of the ongoing relationship, pointed out Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Beijing’s criticism of Australia is aimed at its domestic audience for political gains.

While bilateral relationship between the two countries have sunk to their lowest nadir in decades, with Beijing restricting the import of Australian products including wine, beef and barley, following Morrison’s call for a global inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 pandemic, which was first reported in Wuhan, China.

Morrison pointed out that despite China’s rhetoric and its move to restrict the import of select Australian products, import of other Australian products are going strong.

“The relationship still exists, look at trade alone – there have never been bigger volumes. That’s a bit of a proof point. When all’s said and done, there’s still great value in the relationship,” said Morrison to The Sydney Morning Herald in an interview.

China continues to be Australia’s biggest trading partner. In the 12 months to March, Australia exported $116 billion (A$149 billion) worth of goods to China, down by just 0.6% from the previous year. Exports, have been supported by strong prices for iron ore, the largest single item in trade with China.

($1 = 1.2845 Australian dollars)

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